Veterans Day Parade To Step Off Sunday In Hartford

HARTFORD — — Despite the treacherous weather that brought power outages to hundreds of city dwellers early this week, organizers of the annual Veterans Day parade say the event will go on.

Tens of thousands are still expected to turn out Sunday for the celebratory event, organizers said, which honors men and women who have served in all conflicts.

The parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. near the state Capitol, at the intersection of Washington and Buckingham streets. It will travel north on Trinity Street and pass through the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch before making a right onto Pearl Street, another right onto Main Street and a third right onto Capitol Avenue. It will end at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Hudson Street.

""This parade is a very poignant tribute to the dedicated servicemen and -women of all conflicts who stepped forward so we that can continue to enjoy our freedom," said Paul F. Pendergast, president of the Connecticut Veterans Parade and a U.S. Air Force veteran. "We encourage people from all corners of Connecticut and beyond to come line the streets and say 'Thank You' for their sacrifices."

At 1:30 p.m., the parade will pause for a moment of silence in memory of veterans killed in the line of duty, organizers said. Prior to the parade, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Arch.

Volunteers will pass out free American flags and signs reading "Thank You, Veterans" to attendees.

Lt. Colonel Michael Zacchea of Brookfield, a U.S. Marines veteran, was chosen to be this year's parade grand marshal, organizers said. Zacchea operates the University of Connecticut's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for veterans with disabilities and serves as the director of veterans' outreach and support for the UConn Graduate School of Business.

Captain Dori Freer of Shelton, Flight Officer Connie Nappier Jr. of New Britain and Major Frank A. Tantillo of Tolland are the honorary grand marshals.

The parade was organized by a nonprofit collaboration of veterans groups, cities and towns, businesses and civic organizations.